Salem vs Tualatin: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Salem, OR and Tualatin, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Tualatin, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,429▲ | $100,115 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.24▲ | $48.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,958▲ | $80,299 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,523 | $86,631▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,143▲ | $113,460 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,526▲ | $131,743 |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tualatin.
The salary gap between Salem and Tualatin is $2,314 (2.31%). Salem's median is -2.72% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $51,568,Tualatin spans $51,444. Salem has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($98,823 effective) pays 1.28% more than Tualatin ($97,578 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,429/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,526)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,823)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Tualatin if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Salem grew 25.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.2% growth in Tualatin over the same period.
Salem, OR
$79,460 (2019) → $99,970 (2025)
Tualatin, OR
$96,599 (2024) → $97,711 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tualatin, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Salem or Tualatin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Tualatin?
Should I relocate from Salem to Tualatin as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Salem vs Tualatin?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov